An Introduction to Geology GEOL 105 University Studies Program Course Outline COURSE IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Pre 1998 OUTLINE EFFECTIVE DATE: September 2013 COURSE OUTLINE REVIEW DATE: April 2018 GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the major principles of physical and historical geology covering the origin and structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, volcanism and other mountain building processes, the erosion of the Earth's crust, and the formation and properties of minerals and rocks. Program Information: This course is intended for University Studies and Business Administration diploma and degree students. It can also be used as an elective for BUAD diplomas and the Bachelor in Business Administration (Sustainable Business Practices) degree. Delivery: This course is delivered face-to-face and online COTR Credits: 3 Hours for this course: 90 hours Typical Structure of Instructional Hours: Practicum Hours (if applicable): Instructional Activity Duration Type of Practicum Duration Lecture Hours 45 On-the-job Experience N/A Seminars / Tutorials Formal Work Experience N/A Laboratory / Studio Hours 45 Other N/A Practicum / Field Experience Hours Total Other Contact Hours Total 90 1
Course Outline Author or Contact: Gary Clohan, B.A., Earth Science (Dartmouth) M.Ed., Geography & Science Ed. (UW) Signature APPROVAL SIGNATURES: Department Head Ildi Walkley E-mail: walkley@cotr.bc.ca Dean of Instruction Darrell Bethune E-mail: bethune@cotr.bc.ca Department Head Signature Dean of Instruction Signature EDCO Valid from: September 2013 April 2018 Education Council Approval Date COURSE PRE-REQUISITES AND TRANSFER CREDIT Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Flexible Assessment (FA): Credit can be awarded for this course through FA Yes No Learners may request formal recognition for flexible assessment at the College of the Rockies through one or more of the following processes: External Evaluation, Worksite Assessment, Demonstration, Standardized Test, Self-assessment, Interview, Products/Portfolio, Challenge Exam. Contact an Education Advisor for more information. Transfer Credit: For transfer information within British Columbia, Alberta and other institutions, please visit http://www.cotr.bc.ca/transfer Prior Course Number: N/A Students should also contact an academic advisor at the institution where they want transfer credit. Feb. 25, 2013 as H:\PSC\OUTLINE\2013_Fall\GEOL105.docx 2
Textbooks and Required Resources: Textbook selection varies by instructor and may change from year to year. At the Course Outline Effective Date the following textbooks were in use: Monroe & Wicander, 2009, The Changing Earth Exploring Geology and Evolution, 5 th Ed., Toronto, Brooks Cole Zumberge, J. et.al., Laboratory Manual for Physical Geology, 2007, 13 th Ed. New York, McGraw Hill Please see the instructor s syllabus or check COTR s online text calculator http://www.cotr.bc.ca/bookstore/cotr_web.asp?idnumber=164 for a complete list of the currently required textbooks. LEARNING OUTCOMES: University Studies at the College of the Rockies allow students to complete their first two years of study towards a university degree. College students gain academic knowledge and skills in their chosen subjects. They also cover general problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The combination can empower them to participate as educated citizens in the economic, political, and cultural life of their communities. Upon the successful completion of this course, you should be able to: describe the four major spheres of the Earth and how they are interconnected describe the current theory for the formation of the solar system and the history of the Earth know the evidence for the Plate Tectonic Theory and how it explains many of Earth's major processes understand what happens at each stage of the Rock Cycle and how it relates to Plate Tectonics. recognize the identity of common rocks and minerals based on chemical and physical properties describe the formation of various igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. classify common rocks based on their mineralogy and texture. understand the conditions that lead up to volcanism and earthquakes. understand the physical and chemical processes that break rock down into sediments and soils. determine the factors that cause mass wasting and identify common land forms caused by mass wasting. know the factors that determine the amount of erosion from runoff and understand the various ways that a stream transports sediment. describe erosion features caused by surface and ground water and how they may impact on human communities. understand the transformation of snow into glacial ice and describe the movement and the parts of the glacier and what processes go on at each part. identify major landforms caused by glacial erosion and deposition and describe how each formed. identify major landforms caused by wind erosion and deposition and describe how each formed. Identify major shoreline and sea floor landforms and describe how each formed. Feb. 25, 2013 as H:\PSC\OUTLINE\2013_Fall\GEOL105.docx 3
This course should help you: use written and oral communication skills effectively, employing methods appropriate to message and context. think clearly and critically, fusing experience, knowledge and reasoning into considered judgment. identify, interpret, and solve problems, effectively implementing and evaluating proposed strategies. critically examine statements and information. utilize a variety of resources, media and techniques to access information. read and understand maps, graphs, tables, and diagrams. organize information so that it can be used in a meaningful way to a specified audience. evaluate and validate research results. develop effective processes to manage a project. interact effectively in various contexts. set high performance standards. COURSE TOPICS: Understanding the Earth: Introduction to physical geology and Plate Tectionics Earth materials and minerals Igneous rocks and intrusive igneous activity Volcanism, extrusive rocks Weathering, soils, sediments and sedimentary rocks Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks Earthquakes and Earth s Interior Mass wasting Surface water and erosion Ground water and subsurface erosion Glaciers and glaciation Wind erosion and deserts Shorelines and shoreline processes See instructor s syllabus for the detailed outline of weekly readings, activities and assignments. ESSENTIAL SKILLS DEVELOPED IN THIS COURSE: Students can expect to develop the following skills in this course: Computer Skills Access COTR s online learning resources Skills for Busy Students Manage study time effectively Set educational priorities and goals Recognize personal learning style Use effective note-taking strategies Feb. 25, 2013 as H:\PSC\OUTLINE\2013_Fall\GEOL105.docx 4
Develop problem-solving and memory skills Practice strategies to succeed at exams and tests Use support systems and College resources Writing Skills Identify a purpose and audience for writing Develop an argument or thesis statement Apply pre-writing strategies and develop a draft Use correct punctuation and grammar Use effective citations Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) Edit written work Research Skills Using the library catalogue; renew materials; place holds on resources Use the OUTLOOK database (database providing access to all libraries in BC) Use full-text online database to locate current journal and magazine articles Place interlibrary loans Using the internet to locate information; evaluate information from internet sources Cite, save, and print information for research EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT (Face to Face and Online Delivery) Lab & Class Assignments Lab Exam Midterm Final Exam Assignments Total % Of total Grade 30% 10% 20% 40% 100% Please see the instructor s syllabus for specific classroom policies related to this course, such as details of evaluation, penalties for late assignments, and use of electronic aids. Note: Students must attain a 60% average on all lab assignments and a minimum 50% average on lab exams, midterm exam and final exam in order to pass Geology 105. Feb. 25, 2013 as H:\PSC\OUTLINE\2013_Fall\GEOL105.docx 5
EXAM POLICY Students must attend all required scheduled exams that make up a final grade at the appointed time and place. Individual instructors may accommodate for illness or personal crisis. Additional accommodation will not be made unless a written request is sent to and approved by the appropriate Department Head prior to the scheduled exam. Any student who misses a scheduled exam without approval will be given a grade of 0 for the exam. COURSE GRADE Course grades are assigned as follows: Grade A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D F Mark (Percent) 90 89-85 84-80 79-76 75-72 71-68 67-64 63-60 59-55 54-50 < 50 A grade of "D" grants credit, but may not be sufficient as a prerequisite for sequential courses. ACADEMIC POLICIES See www.cotr.bc.ca/policies for general college policies related to course activities, including grade appeals, cheating and plagiarism. COURSE CHANGES: Information contained in course outlines is correct at the time of publication. Content of the courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment, and marketing needs. The instructor will endeavour to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses. Feb. 25, 2013 as H:\PSC\OUTLINE\2013_Fall\GEOL105.docx 6